Danilo is one of the very few riders with whom I don't prepare before an interview, because talking to him is like meeting a friend at a bar who shares your passion: motorcycles. There's no need to prepare questions, just start talking about racing and passion and the rest comes naturally.

This time, we began by taking stock of his season, which he had hoped to finish in third place, but unfortunately, due to injury and subsequent surgery on his right hand, he was unable to achieve this. Petrucci is eager to get on his new BMW, above all to put himself to the test once again, to see what he can do on a factory bike, one of the most competitive in the championship.

‘The great champions are those who have stood the test of time and have been able to adapt to new bikes and new opponents,’ and that is what he will try to do on the German manufacturer's bike. He was a Ducati rider for many years, but there was no future for him there, whereas at BMW he will be part of a project that may well develop in other competitions in the future. Off-road included. Yes, because despite last year's serious accident, the Terni native is back to enjoying motocross, because he loves motorcycles in all their different forms.

How does he see 2026? He does not believe it will be a walk in the park for Bulega, partly because, apart from himself, he has a lot of respect and consideration for riders such as Bautista, Lecuona and Oliveira, whom he describes as ‘very tough customers’. And speaking of esteem, he has great respect for Jonathan Rea. Danilo describes him as a determined rider with an almost inconceivable hunger for victory for someone who has won six world titles and set many records in this championship.

Finally, Petrucci talks about Razgatlioglu and his move to MotoGP. ‘Toprak will struggle in his first year, but then he will be able to win. Together with Bulega, he is one of the most crystal-clear talents I have ever met.’